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IDPH Report: Domestic Violence Deaths Up

A new report from the Iowa Department of Public Health indicates domestic violence related deaths are on the rise. The biennial report from the state agency shows that Iowa averaged 15 deaths per year between 2005 and 2009. That’s compared to 12 per year from 1995 to 2004. The IDPH’s Binnie LeHew says in almost half of the cases, the perpetrator had previously threatened homicide or suicide. She says the most common factor among all homicides was evidence that the victim had been trying to end the relationship. The second most common factor was alcohol or drug use.